New York Heavy Duty Tow Truck and Road Service

Heavy or large vehicles that become disabled require specific types of trucks, equipment and expertise for safe and effective towing. This is one of the reasons why it is common to see school buses, freight trucks and other large vehicles waiting along the roadside for help to arrive. The process is not as simple as for lighter weight vehicles and not all towing companies specialize in heavy duty towing. This is why it can take longer to locate a company that is prepared to deal with these types of jobs.

Heavy Duty Tow Truck Styles

Various styles of tow trucks can be used for heavy duty towing, including but not limited to:

Heavy duty flatbeds

Heavy duty wreckers

Heavy duty rotators

Heavy duty hook and chain trucks

​Tow trucks come in a variety of styles and brand names. The same style of truck is generally available for light, medium or heavy duty applications. The difference among them is in their overall size and the capacity for handling larger sizes and weights in vehicles. Heavy duty tow trucks are built more ruggedly and have increased power and stability so they have the power to pull heavy loads with less tendency for slippage or tipping from the resistance that is encountered during heavy duty vehicle recovery. Light duty tow trucks lack the power to move heavier loads and are not heavy enough in themselves to remain stable during the recovery process. The cost of obtaining and maintaining heavy duty trucks is higher than for lighter duty equipment and this is in part why some tow companies make the decision to limit their services to medium duty vehicles and lower.

When is A Heavy Duty Tow Truck Required Instead of A Normal Tow Truck?

Normal tow trucks are designed for light to medium weight towing limitations. Their framework, the amount of torque and power for pulling and their stability have lower capacity. A heavy duty tow truck is required when the weight of the vehicle to be recovered or towed is over 26,001 pounds. If a towing company attempted to use medium duty tow trucks for heavy duty vehicle recovery, the success rate of that company would decrease significantly. They would also increase the risk of injury to tow technicians and the wear and tear on tow trucks and equipment would result in high repair or replacement costs. Medium duty tow trucks are simply not designed for heavy duty towing tasks.

How A Heavy Duty Tow Truck Works

Heavy duty tow trucks work in much the same way as regular tow trucks do, except for the enhanced features. They are built with sturdier frames, they are larger, heavier, and are designed for maximum performance with increased torque and power for pulling greater weight loads. They also have enhanced stability features so the tow truck is less likely to slip under the stress of the weight being pulled. A double winching feature allows for handling vehicles of 60,000 pounds and greater for each winch. The boom has a 60 ton capacity.

Dangers of Heavy Duty Towing

Heavy duty towing requires keen operator skill and a knowledge of best towing practices to ensure safety for everyone involved in the recovery process. This is a dangerous process under the best of conditions, but with care and adherence to the proper methods and use of equipment, it can be done more safely.

Which Types of Vehicles Can Be Towed With Heavy Duty Towing?

Semi trucks with trailers bearing heavy payloads can be recovered and towed with heavy duty tow trucks only. Additional equipment is used when a load has turned over and must be corrected. Side pullers are useful in more safely and effectively bringing the vehicle or its trailer to rest on its wheels. School and tour buses, heavy duty excavation equipment and other vehicles which exceed 26,001 pounds all require the use of heavy duty towing services. Some medium weight vehicles must also be towed with heavy duty trucks if their length or height is higher than usual.

Waiting Safely For A Tow Truck to Arrive

When possible, it is important to pull the vehicle into a safe area that is away from fast moving traffic, curves, hills or corners. Using flares and caution markers is useful in alerting motorists that there is a disabled vehicle ahead. Provide as much information about the nature of the problem, a description of the vehicle and the location you are in. Always switch on the four way flashers as an additional form of notification. If the vehicle is in a reasonably safe spot, remain inside with the doors locked to prevent unwanted visitors or would be criminals from gaining access. In the event that the vehicle is in a dangerous area and it cannot be moved, try to find a safe place that is within view of the vehicle to wait until help arrives.

Count On Us If You Need Heavy Duty Towing Services

Our towing company recognizes the need for heavy duty towing services in New York City and the surrounding areas. Our tow technicians are highly trained in heavy vehicle recovery and in the most appropriate towing methods. Our heavy duty tow trucks are designed to handle the strain presented by heavy duty vehicles that are in need of recovery and towing service. Our goal is to provide consistent excellence in customer service and the delivery of safe, professional and fast response towing services. We currently serve the people of New York City, the Bronx, New Rochelle, Manhattan, Mt. Vernon and Yonkers areas.